Bahrain GrandPrix

Being the 20th addition of this race, and the fact the circuit is host to the championship’s official pre-season testing a week beforehand, drivers and teams know this destination well. The track’s asphalt is one of the most abrasive that we race on, which makes strategy a big part of the weekend. Often the undercut is a popular option for pit stops, as tyre degradation happens quicker than normal. Pirelli, F1’s official tyre supplier, have already published that the hardest three compounds of tyre - C1, C2 and C3 - will be used in Bahrain as a result of the tough track layout.

Heavy braking is needed across this 5.2km track, as well as there being high track evolution and traction. The heat and humidity play a factor for the drivers too, with hydration being a key part over the weekend. The W15 will also be pushed to its limits thanks to these factors, and in seasons gone by other teams have suffered reliability issues as a result, with overheating always a risk.

There are plenty of fantastic overtaking opportunities around the Bahrain International Circuit. With four long straights, three DRS zones, and 15 corners, there’s no shortage of inspiration for the grid to make some moves. Turn 1 is always entertaining, and in 2014 was named after seven-time champion and former Mercedes driver, Michael Schumacher. Lewis completed a sensational triple overtake here in 2018 and finished the race on the podium alongside his then-team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who was in second. Turn 4 is also a popular passing place!

Since making its debut on the calendar in 2004, nine drivers have managed to convert their pole position into the win around this track – Lewis achieving this twice. The venue will remain a part of the F1 calendar until at least 2036 after signing a contract extension, and the promoters have announced big measures in recent years to increase the environmental sustainability of the event to help reach the championship’s goals of being net zero carbon by 2030.